“Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to reflect on the countless contributions African-Americans have made in making the promise of America the practice of America. Having recently marked the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, we recalled the struggle of those who worked to bring freedom to millions suffering the injustices of slavery. We also remembered the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who fifty years ago shared a vision of brotherhood that caused the walls raised by a century of Jim Crow to crumble.

“Without the countless African-American pioneers in law, including the Members of the Congressional Black Caucus , leaders in business, education, the arts, our Armed Forces, and other areas across our society, our nation would not be as strong, prosperous, or committed to the ideals of our Founders as it is today. President Obama reminded us in his inaugural address last month that ‘the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still,’ and it is now up to us to continue following that guiding star by rededicating ourselves to making our union more perfect in our own day.

“Now, as we join in celebrating Black History Month once more, let us reflect on how far we have come as nation and how far we still have to go. I look forward to bearing witness to new pioneers of Black History in our time and in the future.”